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By Your Side

The uplifting read-in-one-sitting read from the Sunday Times No.1 Bestselling Author and Gavin & Stacey co-creator

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By Your Side

By: Ruth Jones
Narrated by: Ruth Jones
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**The INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER**

**SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2026 RNA ROMANTIC COMEDY AWARD**

Soak up the perfect summer read and fall in love with Linda & Levi in By Your Side, the latest heart-warmer from the Gavin and Stacey co-creator, Ruth Jones.


After thirty-three years helping strangers at the council’s Unclaimed Heirs Unit, Linda is looking forward to early retirement.

But first, one last case: tracking down the relatives of the deceased Levi Norman, a Welshman who spent his final years on a remote Scottish island.

As Linda delves into Levi’s past, aided (and occasionally thwarted) by the residents of Storrich, she uncovers more than just his story.

Bursting with heart and humour, By Your Side is about finding joy in the most unlikely connections, and the importance of holding on to friendship, love and community – especially when life gets messy.


'Brilliantly told, you'll laugh, cry - and love it' Woman & Home

'A heartwarming and funny read from the brilliant Ruth Jones' Heat (Book of the Week)

‘Ruth’s books are always a joy and full of gorgeous characters’ Prima


© Ruth Jones 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

 Best of 2025 Family Life Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Women's Fiction Women's Voices Heartfelt Feel-Good Thought-Provoking Funny
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For the first time ever - here is an author that can actually narrate incredibly well. I usually steer clear if author narrated books, as actors do a better job. But Ruth reads like an accomplished actress: the other other author narrator I can listen to us Stephen fry!
So well done Ruth: great story read well

Beautiful story narrated well

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adorable story . One of those you don't want to end . Now for my next listen y the fabulous author Ruth Jones

amazing

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OMG what a book , I loved it and Linda Standish what a brilliant character, I couldn’t stop listening to it you become completely immersed in the story, please don’t stop writing Ruth Jones! I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone it’s absolutely fantastic!

Absolutely fantastic!!

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A very interesting story line. Great characters, career choice is wonderful, plenty of humour, romance and an easy listen. For me though, there is something missing or lacking. I am not sure what it is perhaps, it is that the narrator is holding back?
It is definitely worth a listen. I admire Ruth Jones. I love her writing and humour! I will certainly listen to another of her books.

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Touch a touching read, finished this so quickly! Highly recommend to all, as we all need a small reminder of how special all kinds of love are, even the nonbiological ones!

Wowwowow!

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